DAYTON, Oh. — Even if your team isn’t heading to Miami for the Big Game, you might have plans to take in the fanfare as well as the warmer temperatures South Florida has to offer (avg. for Feb is 75 degrees). Flexibility will be key for those booking travel at the last minute, but as a AAA member, you could save big on game tickets, hotel costs and car rentals – a definite score for your wallet!

AAA Travel Advice

 Airfare:

Because the location of the Big Game is in Miami, a well-known vacation destination, there are multiple airports (Miami, Ft. Lauderdale and West Palm Beach) to consider when booking travel. Be flexible and remember that with less than two weeks until the game, airfare inventory may be low. 

Bus and Train:

If you don’t mind taking extra time to travel, bus and train routes may be another consideration. Dates, times and the number of stops can vary but if your funds are small but your love for football is limitless, this option could be worth investigating.

Hotel:

Hotel options are plenty and available for all price points, however booking now may be within the non-cancellation period, meaning charges (typically one night’s stay) for any cancellations.

“Being flexible with your flight, hotel and rental car options will be the best way to go about planning a trip to Miami for the Big Game, especially last-minute,” says Micki Dudas, Managing Director, Leisure Travel Sales for AAA Club Alliance. “If your plans allow, consider extending your time in Florida to escape the winter weather much of the country is seeing.”

Travel like a Champion

• Making your travel plans with a travel agent is a good idea, especially to try and avoid any potential scams.
• Use your credit card when purchasing to give yourself a good way to have money returned if you need to cancel or dispute a charge.
• Consider purchasing travel insurance to protect your investment in the event of sudden and unforeseen circumstances before or during a vacation.
• Read hotel/airline policies carefully so you understand what cancellation policies entail.
• Call the air/train/bus company you will use to get there personally. Leaving your reservations and hard earned dollars up to an emailed confirmation number can be risky. Do the same with hotel reservations. Try to talk to a live person who can confirm what you’ve just paid for.

Save on Travel with AAA

Tickets – AAA members save up to 40 percent off on all Ticket Monster sporting event tickets, including the upcoming Big Game. To purchase tickets, AAA members can visit AAA.com/Ticketmonster and enter their valid 16-digit membership number at checkout to receive their discount. 

Hotel – Best Western – Save up to 15 percent off when booking AAA rates.

Rental Car – Hertz – Save up to $15 on weekend and $30 on weekly base rate rentals with promo code 205531.

Driving to Miami – if you decide to embark on the 17-hour drive (approximately 1,175 miles) to Miami make sure your vehicle is ready. While some maintenance and repair tasks are best left to certified automotive technicians, there are several basic items motorists can easily check themselves between trips to their auto repair facility, including the following:

• Windshield Wiper Blades – If wiper blades are worn, cracked or rigid with age, they will not adequately remove rain, grime and other debris that can obscure driver vision. If the wiper blades are sufficiently deteriorated, the metal wiper blade frame could contact and permanently damage the windshield.
• Tires – Check and adjust tire pressure, including the spare. Inflate tires to the vehicle manufacturer’s recommended settings—not the maximum pressure on the side of the tire. Check the tread depth by inserting a quarter upside down into a tire groove with Washington’s head facing outward. The tread should cover part of Washington’s head. If any of the area above Washington’s head is visible, it’s time to start shopping for new tires.
• Battery – Have your battery checked, especially if it is over three years old. Winter cold breaks down the battery internally and accelerates the rate of corrosion on vehicle battery terminals.

Check your AAA membership status. Before you need service is the best time to check that you have service. AAA coverage travels with the member, not the vehicle. Make sure your membership is up to date and the selected service level matches your lifestyle needs. AAA has varying levels of membership to fit every budget and lifestyle.

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AAA provides automotive, travel, and insurance services to 58 million members nationwide and more than three million members in Ohio.  AAA advocates for the safety and mobility of its members and has been committed to outstanding road service for more than 100 years.  AAA is a non-stock, non-profit corporation working on behalf of motorists, who can now map a route, find local gas prices, discover discounts, book a hotel, and track their roadside assistance service with the AAA Mobile app (AAA.com/mobile) for iPhone, iPad and Android.  For more information, visit www.AAA.com.